Open topic with navigation

hazardous substance

Substances that are found in public and commercial buildings and are dangerous or potentially harmful to human health, other living organisms, property, or the environment. These substances are regulated by governments and typically require inspection and abatement.

Hazardous substances include:

• radon
• asbestos
• mold
• lead (in paint and other materials)
• formaldehyde
• polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• synthetic mineral fibers (SMFs)

Hazardous substances can be present in a building because they:

• naturally occur (such as radon)
• are in building materials due to older construction practices
• are released into the environment through spills, leaks, or manufacturing

In the ARCHIBUS schema, hazardous substances are stored in the Problem Types table.